The AFT Impulse Pulsation Frequency Analysis (PFA) module is an add-on for AFT Impulse, designed to assist engineers in preventing system damage and operational issues stemming from fluid pulsation. This module specifically addresses problems that arise when frequencies excited by pulsation, often from positive displacement pumps, coincide with or are near the acoustic resonant frequencies of a fluid system. By calculating these critical acoustic resonance frequencies, the software enables users to predict and understand potential system vulnerabilities that could lead to equipment damage. Utilizing the PFA module helps organizations avoid costly system weakening or outright failure, significantly reduce operating and maintenance expenses, and minimize disruptions to critical production processes. It allows users to graphically visualize the frequency response of a system to a simulated pulse and ensures that pressure pulsation magnitudes comply with industry standards such as API-674. The module seamlessly integrates with existing AFT Impulse models and automates much of the complex pulsation analysis, guiding users through a structured workflow from model building and pulse specification to running simulations and generating informative Bode plots.

Features & Benefits

• System Protection & Cost Reduction
  • Helps avoid system weakening or failure, reduce operating and maintenance costs, and minimize disruptions in production processes.
• Resonance Prediction & Compliance
  • Predicts and helps avoid resonant frequencies in systems with positive displacement pumps, ensuring pressure pulsation magnitudes comply with the API-674 Standard.
• Graphical Analysis
  • Graphically shows the frequency response of a system to a simulated pulse, providing clear visual insights.
• Integration & Automated Workflow
  • Works seamlessly with existing Impulse models and automates most of the pulsation analysis process.
  • Build the model in Impulse
  • Specify the characteristics of the pulse
  • Apply the forcing function to the source of the pulse
  • Run the model
  • Generate a Bode plot, displaying Frequency vs. Magnitude
  • Specify excitation frequencies to analyze from specific pump RPM (for PD Pump pulsations)
  • Generate child scenarios for each selected excitation pump RPM (for PD Pump pulsations)
  • Run each child scenario and determine resulting acoustic magnitudes (for PD Pump pulsations)
  • Automatically compare peak-to-peak pressure pulsation to API 674 requirements (for PD Pump pulsations)